Supermarket Sainsbury's is to sell more than 500 of its own-brand products in compostable packs instead of plastic as it seeks to cut packaging waste.

It says the scheme, already trialled on some of its organic range, will save 3,550 tonnes of plastic a year.

Almost half its organic fruit and vegetables will be in the new packaging this week, and 80% by January.

Sainsbury's wants rivals to follow its lead, and is urging the government to provide compost bins for homes.

Ready meals will also come in the compostable packaging by January next year.

'Opportunity'

"We're now confident that putting 500 types of our food, from ready meals to organics, in compostable packaging will significantly help to reduce the packaging that most threatens the environment," said Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King.

"It also creates an opportunity for customers to dispose of their own waste at home."

The move is the latest attempt by UK supermarkets to improve their green credentials.